Tampon with wicking member and improved manufacturability

ABSTRACT

A tampon including a pledget, a wicking member disposed in direct contact with the pledget, and a withdrawal cord is disclosed. The wicking member is non-coaxially arranged with respect to the withdrawal cord.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of designs for absorbent tampons have been manufactured for anumber of years, and used by women to capture and absorb menstrual fluidinternally, in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, externallyworn feminine hygiene pads. Many women prefer to use tampons as analternative to feminine hygiene pads at least some of the time duringmenstruation, because, among other reasons, tampons are used internallyand are thereby discrete, creating none of the bulk under clothing thatis associated with many types of feminine hygiene pads.

Particularly when a feminine hygiene pad is not used in conjunctiontherewith, it is important that the tampon capture and absorb most ifnot substantially all of the menstrual fluid that is discharged duringthe tampon's usage duration (to the extent of its absorption capacity),to help avoid a leakage of fluid that may soil underwear, outerclothing, bedclothes, etc. The prior art has recognized various ways inwhich tampons might fail to perform effectively. One such way issometimes referred to as “bypass” failure. Bypass failure occurs whenthe menstrual fluid travels along the length of the vaginal cavitywithout contacting the tampon, or the tampon, while having availableabsorption capacity, otherwise fails to capture and absorb the fluid.

A variety of approaches to tampon design have sought to mitigate suchfailure. One approach that has proven effective has been to include awicking member as part of the withdrawal cord. The wicking member is amaterial/structure selected and configured to extend downward (or trail,to the rear of) the main pledget, along with the withdrawal cord,thereby extending further down the vaginal cavity toward the vaginalopening than the pledget, following insertion. Appropriately configured,the wicking member can engage menstrual fluid flowing along the vaginalcavity past the pledget, capture it, and wick it back to the pledget.Current approaches to manufacture of such tampons, however, have shownto be inefficient, and current selections of configurations andmaterials have shown to be less effective than may be fully realized.

Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the construction andmethod of manufacture of tampons with wicking members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view of an example of a tampon with apledget shaped and compressed into a self-sustaining form.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal front side view of an example of a tamponbefore the pledget has been shaped and compressed into a self-sustainingform.

FIG. 3A is a lateral cross section of the tampon shown in FIG. 2, takenthrough line 3A-3A in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is an exploded longitudinal cross section of components of thetampon shown in FIG. 2, taken through line 3B-3B in FIG. 2, and shownwith the components separated, i.e., not joined together by stitching orother joining mechanism.

FIG. 4A is a longitudinal cross section of portions of a wicking memberand withdrawal cord of the tampon shown in FIG. 2, taken through line4-4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of portion of lockstitching shown withincircle 4B in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a lateral cross section of an example of a pledget prior toattachment of a withdrawal cord or wicking member.

FIG. 5B is a lateral cross section of an example of a tampon includingthe pledget shown in FIG. 5A, following attachment of a wicking memberand withdrawal cord via stitching.

FIG. 5C is a lateral cross section of the tampon shown in FIG. 5B, shownat a time proximate commencement of folding as a step to formation ofthe pledget into a self-sustaining form.

FIG. 5D is a lateral cross section of the tampon shown in FIG. 5B, shownat a time during folding as a step to formation of the pledget into aself-sustaining form.

FIG. 5E is a lateral cross section of the tampon shown in FIG. 5B, shownat a time following folding and during radial compression as a step toformation of the pledget into a self-sustaining form.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal front side view of an example of a tamponbefore the pledget has been shaped and compressed into a self-sustainingform, with a wicking member having a free trailing end.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal front side view of an example of a tamponbefore the pledget has been shaped and compressed into a self-sustainingform, depicting an alternative configuration for connection of awithdrawal cord to the pledget.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal front side view of an example of a tamponbefore the pledget has been shaped and compressed into a self-sustainingform, depicting another alternative configuration for connection of awithdrawal cord to the pledget.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic depictions of a configuration of equipmentused in the Wicking Measurement method herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES Definitions

As used herein the term “tampon” refers to any type of absorbentstructure which is inserted into the vaginal canal for the absorption offluid therefrom. Typically, a tampon includes a pledget structureincluding a quantity of absorbent material, often absorbent fibrousmaterial, which pledget structure has been bunched, folded and/orcompressed in one or more radial directions, the longitudinal direction,or both, via application of pressure, heat and moisture control, inorder to provide a formed tampon having a size, shape and stability ofform to facilitate insertion into the vagina. A tampon which has been soformed is referred to herein has a “self-sustaining” form. The degree ofcompression, heat and moisture control applied to the pledget issufficient such that in the subsequent absence of the external forcesand absence of substantial contact with moisture, the pledget will tendto retain its general formed shape and size.

It will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that thisself-sustaining form typically does not persist following insertion ofthe tampon. Once the tampon is inserted and begins to contact and absorbfluid, the pledget will swell with absorbed fluid, expand and lose itsself-sustaining form.

As used herein the terms “pledget” or “tampon pledget” are intended tobe interchangeable and refer to a structure including absorbent materialconfigured to perform the primary function of the tampon, absorption ofmenstrual fluid. A tampon pledget is sometimes referred to as a tamponblank, or a softwind, and the term “pledget” is intended to includestructures designated by such terms as well.

As used herein the terms “vaginal cavity,” “within the vagina” and“vaginal interior,” are intended to be synonymous and refer to theinternal genitalia of the human female in the pudendal region of thebody. The term “vaginal cavity” as used herein is intended to refer tothe space located between the introitus of the vagina (sometimesreferred to as the sphincter of the vagina) and the cervix, and is notintended to include the interlabial space, including the floor of thevestibule. The external features of the female genitalia generally arenot included within the term “vaginal cavity” as used herein.

With respect to a tampon, the “longitudinal” direction is the ordinarygeneral direction of ejection from an applicator; and also correspondswith the ordinary general direction of insertion into and withdrawalfrom the vaginal cavity in normal use. For a completely manufactured,pre-use tampon that has a pledget with a generally cylindrical orcapsule-shaped self-sustaining form, the longitudinal axis of the formgenerally lies along the longitudinal direction. The “radial” or“lateral” direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection. References to “length” herein refer to a dimension along thelongitudinal direction; references to “width” herein refer to adimension along the lateral direction.

“Withdrawal cord” refers to any section of string, yarn, cord, ribbon,strip material or other flexible/pliable elongate structure typically(although not necessarily) formed of fibrous material, attached toand/or extending from a tampon pledget and trailing from its rearwardend. A withdrawal cord of sufficient length may be provided with atampon for the purpose of providing a relatively thin and flexibletrailing member of sufficient length to allow for a portion thereof totrail and remain outside of the introitus following full insertion ofthe tampon, which the user may easily grasp and pull to withdraw thetampon from her body following a desired duration of use.

The present disclosure relates to an improved absorbent tampon providedwith a leakage protection feature. It has been found that there areseveral potential mechanisms beyond simple bypass flow which maycontribute to tampon leakage. Without wishing to be bound by theory,some of these mechanisms may be explained by the following observations.It has been found that many current tampons show stains along the lengthof the withdrawal cord following use and withdrawal, associated withincidents of tampon leakage. It is believed that the withdrawal cord ofmany current tampons may offer an escape route for menstrual fluidpresent at the base of the vaginal cavity, by operating as a wickingmechanism.

During a tampon change, some residual menstrual fluid may be left in thevaginal cavity near the introitus. This may be fluid that was absorbedby the tampon being removed, but is subsequently expressed from thetampon as it is drawn out of the body through the relatively narrowsphincter of the vagina. Such residual fluid, particularly if locatednear the introitus (i.e. in the lower vaginal cavity) may not beeffectively absorbed by the replacement tampon. This is particularlytrue of many current tampons which are typically inserted somewhat moredeeply into the vaginal canal. These circumstances, as well as bypassleakage described above, and other leakage circumstances are addressedby tampons within contemplation of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B show one non-limiting example of such an absorbenttampon 10, having a longitudinal axis 100, a pledget 11 having a forwardend 16 and a rearward end 17 and a withdrawal cord 12 attached to thepledget and having a leading portion 12 a attached to the pledget and atrailing portion 12 b extending rearward from a location proximate therearward end 17. Tampons contemplated herein, however, are not limitedto structures having the particular configuration shown in the drawings.

The pledget 11 of the tampon 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a forwardend 16 and a rearward end 17. During manufacture of the tampons thepledget 11 may be folded, bunched, compressed and/or otherwise formed insize and shape, from its initially manufactured configuration (e.g. asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3A) into a generally cylindrical configuration(e.g. as shown in FIG. 1) in the radial direction, the longitudinaldirection, or in both the radial and longitudinal directions. While thepledget 11 may be formed into a substantially cylindrical configurationa suggested in FIG. 1, other shapes are also possible. These may includeshapes having a cross section which may be described as oval,elliptical, ovoid, stadium, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal,semi-circular, or other suitable shapes. FIGS. 5A-5E sequentiallyillustrate in lateral cross section, the manner in which a non-limitingexample of pledget 11 having a configuration the same or similar to thatdescribed herein may have a wicking member 15 and withdrawal cord 12attached thereto via a line of lockstitching 40, and folded alonglongitudinal fold lines and subsequently molded under a combination ofmoisture control, applied heat and applied pressure and therebycompressed (as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5E) to form it into aself-sustaining cylindrical or capsule-shaped form.

The pledget contemplated herein may have any suitable form andstructure, for example, as depicted in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B. Othernon-limiting examples of suitable pledget form, material composition andstructure are depicted and described in US2010/0268182 andUS2007/0260211.

A wicking member 15, described in greater detail below, may be joined toeither a withdrawal cord 12, the pledget 11 itself, or both. Thisjoining of the wicking member may occur subsequently to compression ofthe pledget 11 to a self-sustaining form. In some variations it may bedesirable to attach some or all of the wicking member 15 to the pledget11, the withdrawal cord 12, or both, prior to compression of the pledget11 to a self-sustaining form. In one method of making of a tampon 10,described more fully below, the wicking member 15 may be integral withthe pledget 11 prior to compression of the pledget. In any of the abovementioned manners of construction, the trailing portion 15 b of wickingmember 15 is preferably not compressed with the pledget 11; or, ifcompressed, is not compressed to the same degree as the pledget 11.

Prior to formation into a self-sustaining form, the pledget 11 may be ofany suitable shape, size, material, or configuration. In thenon-limiting example shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, pledget 11 includes abatt or other mass of absorbent material 31, disposed within an outerwrapper 30. This type pledget may be formed on a continuous processingline wherein absorbent fibrous material is continuously deposited (e.g.,via an airlaying process) to form a continuous batt having a desiredcross-direction width and depth/weight, on a continuous web of wrappermaterial being conveyed along a machine direction. The wrapper materialweb may then be wrapped about the batt by suitable web guidingequipment, and affixed to itself via, e.g., adhesive, to form acontinuous wrapped batt. Individual pledgets may then be cut from thecontinuous batt by repetitive die cutting across the moving batt (i.e.,cutting along the cross direction). The cross-direction cuts may belinear, which will result in rectangular pledgets. Alternatively, assuggested in FIG. 2, the cross-direction cuts may be non-linear; in theexample depicted, the cutting tool may be configured to make cutsforming the respective forward and rearward ends of each successivepledget, having an arched or curved profile. For a pledget of theconfiguration depicted, this curved profile, or in a slightmodification, a cut profile that will impart the uncompressed pledgetwith a chevron shape, helps facilitate subsequent compression andformation into a cylindrical or capsule-shaped form with rounded orotherwise tapered forward and rearward ends, through the graduatingreduction or tapering down, via the cut profile, in the bulk/quantity ofmaterial that must be compressed at each end. Other shapes that embody atapering down of the quantity of material present toward the forward andrearward ends of the pledget are also contemplated.

While the pledget 11 shown in FIG. 2 is approximately chevron-shaped,other shapes such as but not limited to rectangular, trapezoidal,triangular and hemispherical may be used for tampons withincontemplation of the present disclosure. It may be desired, however,that the cut profile be configured to form respective rear and front cutends of respectively leading and trailing pledgets being cut from thebatt as it moves through the manufacturing line, with no generation ofcutoff waste/scrap. It can be appreciated that the non-limiting exampleof an end cut profile reflected in FIG. 2 provides this benefit.

In other examples (not specifically shown), the pledget 11 may be alaminar structure including integral or discrete layers. As noted, inthe example shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the pledget 11 may include anenveloping wrapper 30 and one or more layers of absorbent material 31positioned within the wrapper. In other examples, the pledget need nothave a layered structure at all. To facilitate compression into itsself-sustaining form the pledget 11 may be folded, e.g., as depictedherein, may be rolled (e.g. as in currently marketed U BY KOTEX brandtampons, a product of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., Irving, Tex.), maycomprise a “petal” structure (e.g. of overlaying/underlaying, crossingrectangular patches of absorbent material, in a configuration present inPLAYTEX SPORT brand tampons, a product of Edgewell Personal Care LLC,Chesterfield, Mo.) or any other of the structures and configurationswhich are known in the art relating to tampon pledgets and theirmanufacture.

The pledget 11 and absorbent material 31 therein may include a widevariety of liquid-absorbing materials commonly used for absorbency inabsorbent articles, such as rayon fiber, cotton fiber, or comminutedwood pulp fiber (sometimes called “airfelt”). Examples of other suitableabsorbent materials may include creped cellulose wadding; spun and/ormeltblown polymer fibers or filaments; chemically stiffened, modified orcross-linked cellulosic fibers; other synthetic fibers such as polyamidefibers (e.g., nylon fibers); peat moss; absorbent foams (such asopen-celled foam formed through polymerization of a high internal phasewater-in-oil emulsion); nonwoven web materials of natural and/orsynthetic fibers or combinations thereof, tissue including tissue wrapsand tissue laminates; or any equivalent material or combinations ofmaterials, or blends or combinations of these. Suitable rayon fibers mayinclude but are not limited to viscose, MODAL, TENCEL (or lyocell);tri-lobal and conventional rayon fibers, and needle punched rayon).Suitable cotton fibers may include long fiber cotton, short fibercotton, cotton linters, T-fiber cotton, card strips, and comber cotton.Preferably, the cotton fibers or fabric layer thereof should be scoured(for removal of natural hydrophobic waxes and impurities) and bleached(for whiteness) and may be imparted with a glycerin finish (forenhancing compaction), a leomin finish (for lubricity), or othersuitable finish. Additionally, superabsorbent materials, such assuperabsorbent polymers or absorbent gelling materials may beincorporated into the pledget. In particular examples it may be desiredthat rayon or cotton or a blend thereof, form the greater proportion (byweight) of the absorbent material 31, or that rayon alone form thegreater proportion (by weight) of the absorbent material 31, since rayonfibers may possess absorbency properties or capacity greater than thoseof other fibrous materials, per unit weight and/or per unit cost.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the pledget 11 may be formedof a body of soft absorbent fibrous material such as rayon fibers orcotton fibers or a combination or blend thereof, and the wrapper 30 maybe formed of a woven, knitted or nonwoven web fabric material ofsuitable composition. The materials for the body may have the form ofnonwoven or woven fabric or a batt formed by any suitable process suchas airlaying, carding, wetlaying, hydroentangling, or other known fiberdeposition and consolidation techniques.

The absorbent material of the pledget 11 may be surrounded with a liquidpermeable wrapper 30. Wrapper materials may include rayon, cotton,spunbond monocomponent, bicomponent or multicomponent fibers, or othersuitable natural or synthetic fibers known in the art. If the pledget 11is layered, the layers may include different materials. For example, inthe example shown in FIG. 2 the wrapper 30, may be constituted primarilyof rayon, while the absorbent material 31 may be constituted primarilyof cotton. In other examples the wrapper may be constituted primarily ofcotton, and the intermediate layer or layers may be constitutedprimarily of rayon. Optionally, the entire pledget 11 may be formed of auniform or nonuniform blend of materials throughout. In anotherparticular example, wrapper 30 may be formed of a nonwoven web ofspunbond fibers. The spunbond fibers may be spun from, for example,polymer resin including polyolefins such as polypropylene, polyethylene,or a blend or combination thereof. In a more particular embodiment thespunbond fibers may be spun bicomponent fibers including a firstpolypropylene resin component and a second differing polypropylene resincomponent or a polyethylene resin component. When formed of ordinarilyhydrophobic materials such as polyolefins (including polypropylene andpolyethylene) wrapper 30 material may be treated, e.g., by applicationof a suitable surfactant, to render it hydrophilic, so that it willreadily attract and permit aqueous fluid to wick therethrough to theabsorbent material within the wrapper. A nonwoven web material formed ofpolymeric material as described may be desired to form the wrapper, overnatural fibrous materials or semi-synthetic rayon, for reasons of havinga soft, smooth and comfortable feel and low friction against sensitiveskin and internal tissues, relatively low cost and superior wetstructural integrity.

The pledget 11 may have any suitable size, shape and thickness that willboth provide a suitable quantity of absorbent material and resultingabsorption capacity, while permitting compression into a self-sustainingform of a size and shape suitable for easy and comfortable insertion. Anuncompressed, opened size similar to those of conventional currentlyavailable tampons has been found to work well. A typical size for anuncompressed pledget may be from about 2 cm to about 8 cm inlongitudinal length and from about 3 cm to about 8 cm in lateral width,including any combination of length and width within those ranges, incombination with an uncompressed thickness anywhere from about 1 cm toabout 3 cm. Total basis weight for a flat, uncompressed and openpledget, may be from about 150 g/m² to about 1,400 g/m², calculated asthe weight of the pledget divided by the largest surface area on oneside of the pledget. Optionally, a pledget 11 that is shorter and widerthan the ranges given above may also be desired in some circumstances topromote relatively greater swelling/expansion in a lateral or radialdirection during use.

A withdrawal cord 12, configurations of which are depicted in thefigures, is preferably joined to the pledget to facilitate withdrawal ofthe tampon from the vagina following a desired duration of use. Thewithdrawal cord 12 may having a leading portion 12 a joined to thepledget 11 and a trailing portion 12 b extending beyond the rearward end17 thereof. In other examples, the withdrawal cord may be integral withthe pledget, or an extension of a structural component of the pledget,such as of an overwrap as described above. In some examples thewithdrawal cord 12 may be integral with a wicking member 15.

In a particular example, the withdrawal cord 12 may be a separatesection of cord, string, yarn, ribbon, knitted cord or strip of woven ornonwoven fabric formed separately of the components of the pledget andwicking member, and then attached by any suitable mechanism to thepledget and/or to the wicking member.

The attachment mechanism may include sewing, adhesive attachment,thermal or pressure bonding, through-pledget punching, penetrationand/or looping of the withdrawal cord material about structure(s) of thepledget or portions thereof, or any combination of these. A leadingportion 12 a of the withdrawal cord 12 may be attached or joined to anysuitable location on the pledget 11, although it may be preferable thatthe attachment/joining location be substantially laterally centered onthe pledget and proximate to, or include a location proximate to, therearward end 17 of the pledget, so that tensile withdrawal force in thecord, exerted by the user, acts predominately on the rearward end of thepledget and does not tend to substantially rotate or reorient thepledget within the user's body during withdrawal. In the example shownin FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, a leading portion 12 a of the withdrawal cord 12is joined to the pledget 11 along the length of the pledget 11, andtrailing portion 12 b trails free beyond the rearward end 17 of thepledget 11. The withdrawal cord 12 may be attached to the tampon pledget11 while the pledget 11 is still uncompressed, as shown in FIG. 2. Thewithdrawal cord 12 may be attached along substantially the entire lengthof one major surface of the pledget 11.

To minimize chances of failure of the attachment between the withdrawalcord 12 and the pledget (i.e., separation) during withdrawal, it may bedesired that the withdrawal cord be directly or indirectly attachedalong substantially the entire length of the pledget, thereby diffusingtensile withdrawal force exerted by the user, by distributing it overthe length of the pledget. To further minimize chances of failure of theattachment, it may be desired that the attachment mechanism include alongitudinal line of lockstitching 40 in which stitches entirelypenetrate the withdrawal cord 12 and the pledget (through both sides),thereby connecting and affixing the withdrawal cord through asubstantial portion of the structure of the pledget, rather than only toan outer surface thereof. Such attachment further diffuses withdrawalforce through the body/structure of the pledget. In other examples, alength of withdrawal cord stock may be threaded through a portion of thebody/structure of the pledget (e.g., through a hole 45 punchedtherethrough), looped around and doubled to create pair of trailingportions 12 b 1, 12 b 1. (See, e.g., FIG. 7.) In still other examples, alength of withdrawal cord stock may be looped around a substantialportion of the pledget body without punching, and doubled to create pairof trailing portions 12 b 1, 12 b 1. (See, e.g., FIG. 8.) Trailingportions 12 b 1 and 12 b 2 may be tied and knotted or otherwise affixedtogether. These latter two approaches also may be employed to provide asecure connection between the pledget and the withdrawal cord.

Where lockstitching is used to attached the withdrawal cord to thepledget, it may be desired that the line of lockstitching 40 extendlongitudinally along substantially the entire length of the withdrawalcord 12 (including both leading and trailing portions 12 a, 12 b). Inexamples in which the withdrawal cord 12 is formed of a section oftwisted, braided or knitted strands or fibers, lockstitching thattraverses substantially the entire length of the withdrawal cord may bedesired because the thread strands forming the stitches through the cordare effectively intertwined with component fibers and/or strands of thecord, and can thereby function to substantially prevent the cord fromunraveling from its cut ends. Herein, a line of “lockstitching” means aline of stitches formed of at least two strands of thread 40 a, 40 bdisposed on opposing sides of the body(ies) to be stitched together,wherein stitches are sequentially formed as each thread meets and loopsaround the other, via passage through the body(ies) by one or boththreads, at suitable intervals corresponding to the desired size of thestitch. In some examples, a first thread may be sequentially passedthrough the body(ies) to meet the second thread via use of anappropriate sewing needle, while the second thread is looped about thefirst thread by operation of a looper. Chainstitching consisting of twothreads as described above is included within the definition. Anon-limiting example of lockstitching may be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B,depicting a longitudinal cross section through a wicking member 15 andwithdrawal cord 12, wherein these two components are held together by alongitudinal line of lockstitching with stitches formed by front thread40 a and rear thread 40 b. FIGS. 4A and 4B depict ISO #301 typelockstitching, as specified by the International Organization forStandardization, ISO 4519:1991, as an example. Other types oflockstitching may be preferred in some circumstances, for example, ISO#401 type chainstitching, which may further enhance the stitches'ability to resist unraveling themselves, and prevent unraveling of thestitched withdrawal cord and/or wicking member, at cut forward and/orrearward ends thereof.

In some circumstances in which the line of lockstitching exists along alength of the trailing portion 12 b of the withdrawal cord, it may bedesired that the threads used to form the line of lockstitching be madeof a suitably hydrophobic fiber material, or fiber material treated tobe suitably hydrophobic, so that the lockstitching thread is unlikely towick fluid along the trailing portion of the withdrawal cord. In someexamples the lockstitching thread may be formed of or include cottonfiber, processed or treated to be suitably hydrophobic. In some examplesthe lockstitching thread may be formed of or include polyester fiber(which in some formulations may be inherently somewhat hydrophobic). Insome examples the lockstitching thread may be formed of or include ablend of cotton fiber and polyester fiber, wherein the cotton fiber maybe processed or treated to be suitably hydrophobic.

The tampon 10 may also be provided with multiple withdrawal cords 12.For example, two withdrawal cords 12 may be attached down the length ofthe pledget 11 and extend from the withdrawal end thereof. In such aninstance, the wicking member, may be joined to one or both of thewithdrawal cords 12.

Especially when the wicking member 15 is joined to the withdrawal cord12, the withdrawal cord 12 is preferably non-absorbent along at leastthe location of such attachment. As used herein, the term“non-absorbent” refers to a structure formed predominately of suitablyhydrophobic materials such it does not tend to attract, wick or retainany substantial quantity of fluid within its structure. In some examplesit may be desired that substantially the entire withdrawal cord 12 behydrophobic, so that the withdrawal cord does not wick menstrual fluidalong its trailing portion 12 b, potentially out to its trailing end.The materials comprising the withdrawal cord may be inherentlynon-wettable or hydrophobic, or they may be treated to provide suchproperties. For example, a suitable wax may be applied to the withdrawalcord 12 to decrease or eliminate wicking tendency. Other means forproviding a material suitable for use as a withdrawal cord 12 which isnon-absorbent and/or non-wicking are known in the art. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 5,458,589 describes one such approach. However, the withdrawalcord 12 need not necessarily be non-wicking along its entire length,even if a non-absorbent withdrawal cord is desired. For example, it maybe desirable to provide a withdrawal cord 12 in which at least a portionof the cord has a tendency or capability to wick deposited fluidupwardly toward the rearward end 17 of the pledget and into thestructure thereof.

The withdrawal cord 12 need not have uniform properties throughout itslength. For example, the portion of the withdrawal cord nearest thepledget 11 may be manufactured and/or treated so as to have wickingcapability, while the lower portion (i.e. furthest from the pledget 11)of the withdrawal cord 12 may be manufactured and/or treated so as tonot have wicking capability. Other properties such ashydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, density, capillary size, width,thickness, and the like may also vary along the length of the withdrawalcord 12.

The withdrawal cord 12 may be formed of a strand or strands of componentyarn or thread material. In some examples the yarn or thread materialmay be formed of cotton fiber, cotton fiber processed or treated to besuitably hydrophobic, other natural plant-based fiber which may beprocessed or treated to be suitably hydrophobic, or polyester, or acombination or blend thereof.

The component yarn or thread may be knitted, twisted or braided to formthe withdrawal cord stock. For maximized tensile strength per unitdecitex of the withdrawal cord stock, it may be desired that thecomponent yarn or thread be of twisted or braided construction (ratherthan of knitted, woven or other construction).

The tampon 10 also may be provided with a wicking member 15. A leadingportion 15 a of the wicking member may be attached along a portion orlength of the pledget 11 and may have a trailing portion 15 b extendingor trailing by a suitable length from the rearward end 17 of thepledget. The wicking member 15 may be separate from, or joined to, thewithdrawal cord 12 along a portion or all of their respective lengths.As will be discussed below, the wicking member 15 may be provided,following insertion of the tampon at a suitable location within thevaginal cavity, to extend rearward of the rearward end of the pledget,further down the vaginal cavity toward the introitus, where it can be inposition to contact menstrual fluid that may be present below thepledget, and attract and wick liquidous components thereof up to thepledget 11.

The wicking member 15 may be formed of a suitable configuration offibrous material having suitable fluid handling properties and tensilestrength. It may be desired that the wicking member be formed separatelyof the withdrawal cord, and of one or more material(s) distinct from theone or more materials forming the withdrawal cord. As discussed above,in some examples it may be desired that the material(s) forming thewithdrawal cord be suitably hydrophobic, to reduce or avoid wicking offluid along the withdrawal cord. This is contraindicated by therequirements for the wicking member as discussed herein, and it may bedesired that hydrophobic fibrous components of the withdrawal cord notbe present within the structure of the wicking member, where they cancontribute to obstructing or interrupting wicking. Accordingly, it maybe desired that the respective structures of the wicking member andwithdrawal cord not be coaxial and/or not intermingled. Rather, assuggested in the figures, the wicking member and the withdrawal cord maybe arranged in contact with each other (or not) along a substantiallyparallel, non-coaxial configuration; see, e.g., FIG. 3B, depicting sucha non-coaxial configuration, where the parallel longitudinal axes 100 a,100 b of the wicking member 15 and withdrawal cord 12, respectively, arenot the same.

Tampons of the type and configurations contemplated herein may also haveor include any combination of features described in U.S. ApplicationSer. No. 62/780,388 (Procter & Gamble Attorney Docket No. 15378P), filedon Dec. 17, 2018 by Strong et al. and/or U.S. Application Ser. No.62/834,427 (Procter & Gamble Attorney Docket No. 15517P), filed on Apr.16, 2019 by Strong et al.

The ability and tendency of a fibrous structure to draw in and transport(herein, “wick”) aqueous fluid against external forces acting on thefluid (such as gravity) is a function of several features of thestructure. These include the extent of hydrophilicity of the surfaces ofthe fibers; the extent of capillarity within the structure (wherecapillarity relates to the number and average size and volume ofinterstitial spaces constituting potential fluid passageways between andamong the fibers, resulting from the extent and manner of fiberconsolidation in the structure); the complexity of the fibers' surfacegeometry(ies); and the extent to which the structure has already drawnin and retains (i.e., has absorbed) fluid. Capillarity of a fibrousstructure relates to the amount of fiber surface area that is presentwithin the structure, per unit volume of the overall structure, and tothe density of consolidation of the fibers in the structure, whichaffects the size and volume of the interstitial spaces or fluidpassageways. The size and volume of the interstitial passageways affectsthe degree to which the aggregate attractive pull of the hydrophilicfiber surfaces in contact with the fluid can overcome forces that resistit, i.e., surface tension of the fluid and external forces such as,e.g., gravity or pressure differential. For example, for a structureformed of a given fiber composition, interstitial passageways which aretoo large can make the structure ineffective at wicking upward againstgravitational pull because there is an insufficient aggregate area ofhydrophilic fiber surfaces in contact with the fluid to createattractive pull sufficient to overcome gravitational pull acting on therelatively large fluid volume and mass in the relatively largepassageways, and surface tension of the fluid mass itself tending toresist separation into smaller fluid volumes. On the other hand,interstitial passageways which are too small and/or insufficient inaggregate volume such that, while effective at moving fluid in smallvolume, can be physically restrictive with respect to wicking volumeflow rate. For a given type of hydrophilic fibers, there will be anoptimum capillarity in a structure formed of them, at which wickingpotential is maximized.

Further, the composition of human menstrual fluid differs from purewater or typical saline test solution in ways (e.g. surface tension)that cause the fluid to behave differently than water or saline solutionwith respect to wicking structures and absorbent structures. For thisreason, a given structure may more readily and/or rapidly wick or absorba greater quantity of water or saline than menstrual fluid, and viceversa. For purposes herein, wicking and absorption of human menstrualfluid, relevant compositional aspects of which are herein deemedsuitably approximated by defibrinated sheep's blood under conditionsdescribed herein, are of interest and focus. For a structure formed of agiven fiber composition there will be a level of fiber consolidationthat optimizes capillarity and wicking performance under theseconditions.

Wicking and absorption are relatively complex phenomena and can bedifficult to precisely measure and characterize for many types ofstructures. However, it may be observed, generally, that: (1) betweentwo dry fibrous structures formed of identically composed fibers havingsimilar hydrophilicity, the structure with the more optimal capillaritywill have the greater wicking performance; (2) between two dry fibrousstructures formed of fibers of differing compositions but having similarcapillarity, the structure formed of the fibers having greaterhydrophilicity will have the greater wicking performance; (3) betweentwo wetted fibrous structures having similar capillarity, formed offibers of the same composition and having similar hydrophilicity, thestructure holding the lesser quantity of aqueous fluid per unitstructure volume will have the greater wicking potential. Between twodiffering first and second fibrous structures that are placed in contactwith each other, the first structure will draw fluid from the secondstructure if the first structure has a combination of hydrophilicity,capillarity and level of fluid content (saturation) per unit structurevolume that impart to it greater wicking potential than the secondstructure. Conversely, if the first structure has lesser wickingpotential than the second structure, the first structure will not drawfluid from the second structure.

Thus, it may be desired that the component fibrous material of thewicking member 15 have a combination of fibers with hydrophilic surfaceproperties, and optimized capillarity, to promote wicking of fluidtherealong, but at the same time, not have, or not be assembled in aconfiguration having, a combination of capillarity and hydrophilicitythat render it more likely to attract and retain menstrual fluid againstthe wicking potential of the material(s) of the pledget 11. It ispreferred that the material of the wicking member serve to wick fluid tothe pledget, but that the material(s) of the pledget have greaterwicking potential and absorbency so as to be effective at drawingmenstrual fluid from the wicking member over the expected normalduration of use of the tampon.

In some examples the wicking member may be formed of fibrous material(s)similar to those used to form the pledget, e.g., rayon fibers, absorbentcotton fibers or any combination thereof. In such examples the fibrousmaterial forming the wicking member pledget should be configured suchthat the body of the wicking member has less wicking potential than thepledget. The wicking potential of the wicking member can be adjusted bythe selection of material of which it is formed, for its relative levelof fiber surface hydrophilicity and its relative capillarity.Capillarity may be adjusted by the manner in which the fibers formingthe wicking member are consolidated and densified within in thestructure.

It has been discovered that a non-hydrophilic (i.e., hydrophobic)fibrous material can be effectively treated and configured to serve thedesired wicking function while in most circumstances having lessaffinity for the fluid than typical pledget materials (i.e., rayon fiberand/or cotton fiber). Spun polymeric synthetic fibers that areordinarily hydrophobic, such as spun polypropylene fibers, may betreated, e.g., via application of a suitable surfactant finish, torender their surfaces hydrophilic. Since such fibers typically havesimple and/or smooth surface geometry, however, the fiber surfacesthemselves do not substantially contribute to capillarity, and bundlesor assemblies of such fibers will have substantially less wickingpotential (and tendency to retain the fluid) than bundles or assembliesof more complexly-shaped hydrophilic fibers such as rayon, cotton, orother natural plant-based fibers. Accordingly, in some examples it maybe desired that the wicking member be formed of fibrous materialincluding spun polypropylene or other spun polymeric synthetic polymer.Additionally, braided or twisted bundles of polypropylene fibers may berapidly cut in a cross-direction to form individual wicking members tobe placed and affixed to tampons, in a manner in which fibers arecrushed together and pinched off, rather than cleanly severed at eachcut. Under such circumstances, the polypropylene fibers can be caused toplastically deform and flow about each other at the pinch/cut location.For wicking material stock of braided or twisted configuration, this mayhelp reduce unraveling of the wicking member at the cut end(s).

For a more detailed description of hydrophilicity and contact angles seethe following publications which are incorporated by reference herein:The American Chemical Society Publication entitled “Contact Angle,Wettability, and Adhesion,” edited by Robert F. Gould, and copyrightedin 1964; and TRI/Princeton Publications, Publication Number 459,entitled “A Microtechnique for Determining Surface Tension,” publishedin April 1992, and Publication

Number 468 entitled, “Determining Contact Angles Within PorousNetworks,” published in January, 1993, both edited by Dr. H. G.Heilweil.

While a tampon with a wicking member may absorb some menstrual fluidinto the wicking member and may even wick fluid to the pledget to someextent, it is believed from research that the effectiveness of thecombination may not be meaningfully noticeable to a user unless itsability to capture and wick fluid through the wicking member up to thepledget exceeds a particular value for Wicking as set forth anddescribed herein. A combination of materials described herein, used toconstitute and configure a tampon product, may be selected and assembledas described to provide a tampon that will wick at least 1.2 grams, morepreferably at least 1.5 grams and even more preferably at least 1.8grams of test fluid up through the wicking member as measured using theWicking Measurement method herein. Information herein and also as knownin the art is sufficient to enable one to select materials for thepledget and for the wicking member to achieve these levels of wicking.If the material of the wicking member has an insufficient combination ofsuitable hydrophilicity and capillarity, it will be unable to attractand wick menstrual fluid upwardly to the pledget to the levels specifiedherein, under the conditions of the measurement method (which aredesigned to approximate the orientation of the tampon and pressure towhich its materials are subjected when the tampon is in use, disposed inthe vaginal cavity). For this reason, a wicking member formed ofpolymeric fibers, for example, that have not been suitably processed ortreated to render them suitably hydrophilic, have insufficientlongitudinal directional orientation, and/or are too loosely or toodensely consolidated, will be ineffective. On the other hand, if thematerial of the wicking member has a combination of hydrophilicity at asuitable level and capillarity that makes it have a greater affinity forfluid contained therein than can be overcome by the wicking potential ofthe pledget, the pledget will be unable to draw fluid away and out ofthe wicking member, and once saturated, the wicking member will ceasewicking. For this reason, a wicking member formed primarily of, forexample, completely scoured cotton and/or rayon fibers (which have ahigh affinity for aqueous fluid and therefore form structures that arerelatively highly absorbent) may be unsatisfactory. The ability of thepledget to draw fluid from the wicking member may be further enhanced byprocesses and configurations described in U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/683661. A balance between wicking potential ofthe pledget and wicking potential of the wicking member may beidentified to meet the wicking levels specified above. It has beenlearned that a level of measured wicking at one or more levels specifiedabove is greater than that achieved by currently available tampons thatinclude wicking structures. It is believed that a level of measuredwicking at levels specified above represents improvement in theperformance of tampons with wicking structures, in preventing bypassleakage or leakage of residual fluid in the vaginal cavity presentfollowing removal of a used tampon. Using combinations of materialsdescribed herein, the inventors have achieved measured wicking as highas 2.3 grams, although it is contemplated that greater levels as high as3 grams, 4 grams or even 5 grams may be achievable throughexperimentation, using suitable combinations of materials andconfigurations identified herein or otherwise known to the person ofordinary skill in the art.

In order that the wicking member provide continuous, substantiallyuninterrupted and generally longitudinally-directed pathways forrelatively rapid fluid travel along the length of the wicking member, itmay be desired that the configuration of fibrous material be formed ofcarded or otherwise directionally aligned fibers, predominately alignedalong the length of the wicking member 15 (along the longitudinaldirection). In some examples, the wicking member may be formedpartially, predominately or entirely of tow fibers that predominatelyextend substantially the entirety of the length of the wicking member15.

In some examples, the wicking member may have the form of a strip ofnonwoven, woven or knitted cloth, or ribbon. However, for purposes ofmaximizing the presence of generally longitudinally-oriented fluidpathways for wicking fluid to the pledget, it may be desired that thefibers forming the wicking member are predominately longitudinallyoriented or biased, and held together by twisting (in the manner inwhich twisted yarn or rope is formed), or by braiding, rather than byother techniques such as needlepunching, hydroentangling, rolling,knitting, weaving, etc. A braided or twisted configuration, incombination with substantially directionally-aligned carded and/or towfibers, may help increase the presence, number and length of generallylongitudinal pathways through and along the fibrous material forming thewicking member, along which fluid may travel more directly alonghydrophilic surfaces thereof toward the pledget.

When the wicking member is formed of fibrous material, and has cutforward and/or rearward ends, it may be desired that the fibrousmaterial at one or both of forward and rearward ends be consolidated andbound together (“finished”) via a mechanism that effectively reduceschances of the occurrence, or reduces the extent to which, the fibrousmaterial may unravel or dislodge at the cut ends. In non-limitingexamples, in which the wicking member includes or is formed of fibrousmaterial manufactured from thermoplastic resin, fibers proximate one orboth the forward and rearward ends of the wicking member may be fused,welded or otherwise bonded together by, e.g., application of heatingenergy and/or pressure during or following cutting. It will beappreciated that other mechanisms may serve, such as, but not limitedto, knotting the cut end, applying a binder or adhesive to the cut end,etc.

The wicking member 12 may have any suitable length, but its trailingportion 15 b (the portion extending rearward of rearward end 17 ofpledget 11) is preferably shorter than the trailing portion of thewithdrawal cord 15. The trailing portion of the wicking member shouldnot be long enough extend through the introitus when the tampon 10 isfully inserted and properly positioned within the vaginal cavity.Although dimensions of the vaginal cavity vary among individual users,it may be desired for most users that the trailing portion 15 b of thewicking member 15 should have a length no greater than about 60 mm, morepreferably no greater than about 50 mm, even more preferably no greaterthan about 40 mm, and still more preferably no greater than about 30 mm,and preferably no less than about 10 mm, more preferably no less thanabout 15 mm, and even more preferably no less than about 20 mm. (Forpurposes herein, the length of the trailing portion is measured with thetrailing portion held in a straightened position, but in a relaxedcondition, i.e., not under longitudinal tension greater than about 5gf).

In order to ensure that an adequate portion of the surface area of thewicking member 15 is exposed to contact with the pledget (for purposesof facilitating movement of fluid from the wicking member to thepledget), it may be desired that the leading portion 15 a have a lengththat is at least one-quarter of the total length of the pledget, andmore preferably at least one-third of the total length of the pledget.In a particular example, the leading and trailing portions of thewicking member 15 a, 15 b may be approximately equal in length. It mayalso be preferred that the leading portion of the wicking member beaffixed to the pledget along a length that is at least 10 mm, and morepreferably at least 15 mm.

To enhance unitized structural integrity of the tampon, it may bedesired that the wicking member 15 be lockstitched to the pledget, in amanner such as described above. In some examples the withdrawal cord 12and the wicking member 15 may be lockstitched together to the pledget,via the same configuration/line of lockstitching. In such configuration,it may be desired that the wicking member be disposed in direct contactwith the pledget, and preferably that the wicking member be disposedbetween the pledget and with the withdrawal cord, to provide for directcontact and fluid transfer between the wicking member and the pledget,unobstructed by the (e.g., hydrophobic) structure of the withdrawalcord. In some examples, however, the wicking member 15 may be attachedto the pledget 11 by a mechanism differing from that attaching thewithdrawal cord 12 to the pledget 11, and may also be physicallyseparated from the withdrawal cord 12 at or along location(s) ofattachment on the pledget. In some examples, the wicking member 15 maybe attached to the pledget 11 by adhesive bonds, by thermal compressionor ultrasonic bonds (in which respective material(s) of the wickingmember and of the pledget are fused or welded together) or may bestitched to the pledget by stitches separate from stitches attaching thewithdrawal cord to the pledget 11.

In some circumstances, it may be desired that a rearward, endward-mosttrailing portion of the wicking member 15 have a free length including afree end 15 c that is not stitched or otherwise affixed to thewithdrawal cord 12, as suggested in FIG. 6. This may further improve theability of the wicking member 15 to capture and wick fluid to, intoand/or through, its trailing portion 15 b.

In some further examples, one or more threads used to stitch the wickingmember 15 to the pledget 11 may be selected for suitable tensilestrength and hydrophobicity such that they may be extended beyond thetrailing rearward end of the wicking member by a suitable length, and bythemselves serve as the withdrawal cord. This configuration eliminatesthe need for, and expense and complexity associated with including, aseparate withdrawal cord. Where two or more stitching threads are usedto lockstitch the wicking member to the pledget, they may be twisted,braided or otherwise suitably intertwined or combined into asingularized cord configuration in a trailing portion extendingrearwardly from the wicking member.

It may be desired that the material used to form the wicking member betinted or pigmented to impart the wicking member with a color thatvisibly contrasts with the color(s) of the materials forming the pledgetand/or withdrawal cord. This may be deemed useful for visually signalingto the user that a differing material is present in the wicking member,suggesting a functionality distinct from that of the withdrawal cord. Inconnection with appropriate information on, or associated with,packaging for the tampon product, such tinting or pigmenting canadvantageously serve to remind the user that the wicking member ispresent to provide supplemental protection against leakage. When thepledget and/or materials constituting the pledget have a substantiallywhite color (which is, for example, the natural color for suitablyprocessed, undyed cotton, and is believed to be preferred by manyconsumers because it connotes purity, cleanliness, sanitation and/orfreshness), it may be desired that the material(s) constituting thewicking member are imparted with a non-white color that not only visiblycontrasts with the color of the pledget, but also visibly contrasts withcolor(s) of areas of a pledget as stained by menstrual fluid as it mayappear immediately following use. Thus, in some examples it may bepreferred that the non-white color of the wicking member be selectedfrom a range of colors that will visibly contrast with the color of thepledget, and with the color(s) of the pledget when stained by menstrualfluid, as it appears immediately following withdrawal of the tampon.This coloration feature may serve to provide the user with additionalsignal of the functionality of the wicking member. For purposes herein,“substantially white” means having CIE L*a*b* values when measuredaccording to the Color Measurement Method set forth below, in which L*is ≥87, and the absolute values of each of a* and b* are ≤2. A wickingmember color that visibly contrasts with the color of the pledget is anycolor that exhibits a ΔF*≥15 from the color of the pledget, measuredaccording to the Color Measurement Method below. Techniques forimparting varying colors, and adjusting the depth thereof, to synthetic,semi-synthetic and natural plant-based fibers or filaments, or materialsmade therefrom (e.g., via use or inclusion of pigments, dyes or inks),are known in the art.

In an array of two or more packaged tampon products (herein “array”means two or more differing products of the same brand, marketed orappearing for sale simultaneously in the same or proximate respectivelocations (physical or online/virtual) (e.g., on the same or respectiveproximately located shelves within the same retail store)), differingwicking members can be included with tampons of differing features, forthe purposes of functioning differently with the differing tamponproducts, signaling the differences in features to consumers, or acombination of both. In one non-limiting example, packaged tamponshaving a first absorption capacity may include wicking members impartedwith a first color, while packaged tampons having a second, differingabsorption capacity may include wicking members imparted with a secondcolor visually distinguishable from the first color. For purposesherein, a second wicking member color is “visually distinguishable” froma first wicking member color when the second wicking member colorexhibits a ΔF*≥5 from the first wicking member color, measured accordingto the Color Measurement Method below. Wicking members for an array ofdiffering tampon products may differ not only in color, but in othercharacteristics such as material composition and/or absorbency/wickingcharacteristics, physical structure (e.g., braided, twisted, knitted,etc.), length, width, diameter, density, decitex or other dimension,location of attachment on the pledget, etc. The differing tamponproducts with respectively differing wicking members may be accompaniedby associated packaging material imprinted with graphic/pictorialinformation, verbal information, or a combination thereof, that signalsthe differences in the respective products and/or wicking members.

A tampon as contemplated herein is believed to offer several advantagesover prior art tampons. As noted previously, the incorporation of thewicking member 15 extends fluid capturing capability to lower regions ofthe vaginal cavity. Additionally, because the tampon can be manufacturedby processes in which the wicking member is less compressed than thepledget 11, the material forming the wicking member can be available toimmediately draw in fluid, without the need for re-expansion from acompressed state.

Tampons of the type and configuration(s) contemplated herein may bemanufactured via the process described in U.S. Application Ser. No.62/780,388 (Procter & Gamble Attorney Docket No. 15378P), filed on Dec.17, 2018 by Strong et al. and/or U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/834,427(Procter & Gamble Attorney Docket No. 15517P), filed on Apr. 16, 2019 byStrong et al.

To form a tampon ready for use, the tampon pledget 11 may be compressedand heat conditioned (which may include use of steam or elevatedhumidity) in any suitable conventional manner to impart it with aself-sustained form suitable for easy and comfortable insertion, whichmay be a cylindrical form. Pressures, temperatures and humidityconditions suitable for this purpose are known in the art. Typically,the pledget 11 is compressed in both the radial and axial directionusing any suitable means known in the art. While a variety of techniquesare known and acceptable for these purposes, a modified tamponcompressor machine available from Hauni Machines, Richmond, Va., issuitable.

The tampon 10 contemplated herein may be inserted digitally or via theuse of an applicator. If the tampon 10 is to be configured for digitalinsertion, or for insertion from a generally cylindrical applicator, itmay be desirable to form the pledget from a layer of absorbent materialwhich has been rolled or otherwise formed into a cylindrical or capsuleshape.

Any of the currently available tampon applicators may also be used forinsertion of the tampon contemplated herein. Such applicators oftypically a tube-and-plunger type arrangement and may be plastic, paper,or other suitable material. A compact type applicator can also besuitable. The applicator plunger may be depressed by the user to pushthe compressed pledget 11 out of the applicator while fitting around thewicking member 15.

Color Measurement

The total color difference (ΔE*) between a tampon pledget 11 and itswicking member 15 is calculated from the L* a* b* color values obtainedfor each respective portion of the tampon. Color analyses are made usinga 0°/45° spectrophotometer with adjustable apertures capable of makingstandard CIE L*a*b* measurements in accordance with ASTM E1349. Anexample of a suitable spectrophotometer is the Labscan XE (availablefrom Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc., Reston, Va., or equivalent).All testing is performed in a room maintained at a temperature of 23°C.±2.0° C. and a relative humidity of 50%±2% and samples are conditionedunder the same environmental conditions for at least 2 hours prior totesting.

If the tampon is provided in an application, the test sample is preparedby first removing the tampon 10 from the applicator in the manner theproduct is designed to effect ejection of the tampon 10 from theapplicator. The pledget 11 is flattened out by gently opening it fromits self-sustaining shape. Using a small pair of scissors to sever anystitching as necessary, or using freeze spray to deactivate any adhesiveused to join them, gently separate and remove the wicking member 15 fromthe pledget 11, using care so as not to damage either component in theprocess. For each product tested, a total of 5 pledgets and 5 wickingmembers are prepared in this manner.

To measure color, calibrate and standardize the instrument per thevendor instructions using the standard white and black tiles provided bythe vendor. Set the spectrophotometer to use the CIE L*a*b* color spacewith a D65 standard illumination, a 10° observer, a 0.125 inch areaview, a 0.200 inch aperture, and the UV filter set to nominal. Place thepre-flattened pledget test sample over the aperture such that the entireaperture is covered by the pledget 11 on an area free of the withdrawalstring 40. Place the standard white tile behind the pre-flattenedpledget test sample, take a reading and record L*a*b* values as L₂* a₂*b₂* to the nearest 0.01 units. Remove the pledget test sample from theaperture and replace it with the wicking member test sample. Ensure thatthe entire aperture is covered by the wicking member, minimizing theamount of withdrawal cord 12 present in the aperture's viewing area.Place the standard white tile behind the wicking member test sample,take a reading and record L*a*b* values as L₁* a₁* b₁* to the nearest0.01 units. Calculate the total color difference (ΔE*) between thepledget and the wicking member as follows:

ΔE*=[(L ₂ *−L ₁*)²+(a ₂ *−a ₁*)²+(b ₂ *b ₁*)²]^(1/2),

and record as ΔF* to the nearest 0.01 units.

In like fashion, repeat for a total of five measurements obtained onfive different tampon pledget and wicking member samples. Calculate thearithmetic mean for ΔE* obtained from all five measurements and reportto the nearest 0.01 unit.

Wicking Measurement

The ability of a tampon configuration with a wicking member to capturefluid in the wicking member, and wick and fluid to the pledget, may bemeasured using this Wicking Measurement method. A known quantity of testfluid is delivered at a constant rate over a specified amount of time toa portion of the wicking member 15 inside a pressurized wicking chamber.The quantity of fluid absorbed by the tampon 10 is determined andreported as Total Uptake. All measurement is performed in a laboratorymaintained at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relative humidity. The measurementequipment as described herein is configured to approximate the pressureto which a tampon is subjected inside the body during actual use.

The measurement apparatus 1000 is schematically depicted in FIG. 9A. Themeasurement apparatus 1000 includes a wicking chamber 1001 including ahollow glass tube 1001 a mounted to a ring stand 1002 in such a way thatthe longitudinal axis 1003 of the tube 1001 a lies within a verticalplane and is 30°±2° from a vertical line. The glass tube 1001 a is openat both ends, and has a 3.3 cm inner diameter, a 3.8 cm outer diameter,and an overall length of 10.5 cm. The glass tube 1001 a has a ¼ inchhose barb 1004 (that provides fluid communication with the space insidethe tube) located at its longitudinal midpoint, extendingperpendicularly from the outer surface of the glass tube. Located about7 mm from each end of the glass tube are circumferential sealing ridges1005 a, 1005 b on the outside of the tube (which may be formed as“marias,” also known as “mariahs,” as known in glassblowing art), eachwith a 48.0 mm outer diameter and oriented along a plane perpendicularto the longitudinal axis 1003 of the glass tube. Two lines 1006, 1007are marked on the glass tube 1001 a, both oriented along planesperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1003 of the tube: the PledgetBase Line 1006 is marked at the longitudinal midpoint of the glass tube;the Cannula Position Line 1007 is marked 10.0 mm below the Pledget BaseLine 1006. A compressed air source is connected to the hose barb 1004with flexible tubing 1008. The air pressure is controlled via a pressureregulator 1009 and calibrated manometer 1010 (standardized to ANSIstandards). The pressure regulator 1009 is set to 0.5±0.02 psi.

An unlubricated condom 1011 (condom complying with ASTM D3492) isinstalled inside the glass tube 1001 a as follows. Unroll the condom1011 and mark a Positioning Line thereon that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the condom 1011 and located 12.0±0.1 cm from theopen end.

Using a glass rod inserted into the condom 1011, push the condom 1011,closed/tip end first, into the lower open end of the glass tube 1001 a,up through the tube and out the upper open end. Cut off the tip of theclosed end of the condom 1011 (no more than about 1 cm from the tip) anddiscard. Align the Positioning Line marked on the condom with the edgeof the open upper end of the glass tube 1001 a. Now, stretch and pullthe newly cut edge 1020 of the condom 1011 radially out, down and overthe circumference of the upper edge of the glass tube 1001 a, anddownwardly over and past the upper sealing ridge 1005 a. Secure thecircumferential cut edge of the condom 1011 to the outside of the glasstube 1001 a below the upper sealing ridge 1005 a, using a first rubberband 1021. Now, from the bottom, gently pull the condom slightly tautlongitudinally, and stretch the circumferential edge 1022 of theoriginal open end of the condom 1011 radially out, up and over thecircumference of the lower edge of the glass tube 1001 a and upwardlypast the lower sealing ridge 1005 b, and secure the circumferential edgeof the original open end of the condom 1011 to the outside of the glasstube 1001 a above the lower sealing ridge 1005 b, using a second rubberband 1023.

(The references “up”, “down”, “upper”, “lower”, and similar terms usedin this measurement method description are relative the position of theglass tube when mounted to and held by the ring stand as shown in FIG.9A. However, the condom may be installed within the glass tube before itis mounted on the ring stand. Similarly, the Pledget Base Line andCannula Position Line on the glass tube as described above may be markedon the tube before it is mounted on the ring stand.)

The test fluid used (for purposes of providing a fluid having a suitabledegree of similarity to human menstrual fluid) is defibrinated sheep'sblood, with a packed cell volume between 38%-42% (such as that availablefrom Cleveland Scientific Ltd., Bath, Ohio, or equivalent) and aviscosity between 6.5-8.0 centistokes. Prior to use in this measurementmethod, the viscosity of the test fluid is measured using a lowviscosity rotary viscometer (a suitable instrument is the Cannon LV-2020Rotary Viscometer with UL adapter, Cannon Instrument Co., State College,Pa., or equivalent). The appropriate size spindle for the viscosityrange is selected, and the instrument is operated and calibrated as perthe manufacturer's instructions. Measurements are taken at 23° C.±1 C.°and at 60 rpm. Results are recorded to the nearest 0.01 centistokes andmust be in spec before use.

The test fluid is placed in a 250 mL reservoir with a cover andcontinuously and moderately stirred to avoid separation. The temperatureof the test fluid is maintained at 23° C.±2 C.° during use. The testfluid is supplied from the reservoir to a 15-gauge steel laboratorycannula 1012 (about 10 cm long with a blunt tip at each end with aninner diameter of 1.33-1.41 mm and an outer diameter of 1.82-1.84 mm(such as that available from Cadence Science Inc., 2080 Plainfield Pike,Cranston, R.I. 02921, or equivalent) and cannula sleeve 1013(transparent flexible silicone tubing with 3.2 mm inner diameter, 4.8 mmouter diameter, about 7 cm long (such as that available from ColeParmer, Verner Hills, Ill., or equivalent) with peristaltic pump tubing1014 that has an inner diameter of 1.6 mm. The cannula 1012 is insertedthrough the prepared cannula sleeve 1013 such that there is about 6 mmof the upper/distal tip of the cannula 1012 extending beyond theupper/distal edge of cannula sleeve 1013. (The purpose of the cannulasleeve, of an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of thecannula, is to provide a pathway for fluid that is not captured andwicked after contacting the wicking member, to flow under gravitationalpull down and out of the test chamber, thereby helping reduce chances ofpooling of the fluid within the test chamber.) The lower end of thecannula 1012 is inserted into the peristaltic pump tubing 1014. Aperistaltic pump 1015 (such as Master Flex, available from Cole Parmer,Verner Hills, Ill., or equivalent) is programmed to deliver 5.0 g±0.25 gof test fluid at 1.0 g/min±0.02 g/min (i.e., over a 5-minute period ofoperation of the pump). Prior to commencement of the measurement, theperistaltic pump 1015 is calibrated with the test fluid, and the tubing1014 and cannula 1012 are then primed with test fluid.

A cannula stabilizing bar 1016 is mounted to the ring stand 1002 suchthat it is about 2 cm below the bottom of the wicking chamber 1001,however, this position can be adjusted as needed. The cannulastabilizing bar 1016 is used to support the peristaltic pump tubing 1014in order to allow the cannula 1012 to be maintained in a position inwhich its longitudinal axis is approximately parallel to longitudinalaxis 1003 of the glass tube 1001 a during the measurement.

Tampon measurement samples still in their applicators and wrappers areconditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 5.0±2% relative humidity for at least 2hours prior to use. Measurement samples are not removed from theirwrappers or applicators until immediately prior to use, and must be usedwithin 30 minutes following removal. Clean disposable exam grade,nitrile rubber, powder-free medical gloves must be worn while preparingthe measurement samples and during the measurement procedure in order toprevent any contamination from contact with the analyst's hands. Eachtampon measurement sample is prepared by first removing the tampon 10from its applicator in the manner the product is designed to effectejection of the tampon from the applicator. Cut the withdrawal cord 12from the tampon 10 at the rear end of the trailing portion 15 b of thewicking member 15. After cutting away such portion of the withdrawalcord, record the Dry Mass of the tampon measurement sample to thenearest 0.01 g.

Now referring to FIG. 9B, the tampon measurement sample is placed intothe unpressurized wicking chamber 1001 as follows. (A second analyst maybe required to assist in manipulating the measurement sample and cannulainto position and holding them in position until the measurement chamberis pressurized.) Insert the forward end 16 of the pledget 11 into thebottom of the wicking chamber 1001 and move the sample upward in thechamber to a location at which the rearward end 17 of the pledget 11 isaligned with the Pledget Base Line 1006. Align the longitudinal axis ofthe pledget and wicking member 15 approximately with the longitudinalaxis 1003 of the wicking chamber 1001. If the wicking member 15 andremaining portion of withdrawal cord 12 are not coaxial, rotate thetampon measurement sample about its longitudinal axis within thechamber, to a position in which the trailing portion 15 b of the wickingmember 15 occupies a predominately dorsal (overlying) position relativethe remaining portion of the withdrawal cord, and the remaining portionof the withdrawal cord 12 occupies a predominately ventral (underlying)position relative the trailing portion 15 b of the wicking member. Whileholding the measurement sample in place inside the wicking chamber 1001in this position, insert the prepared cannula 1012 with attached cannulasleeve 1013 into the bottom of the wicking chamber 1001 and move itupward within the chamber to a position at which the upward tip of thecannula 1012 is aligned with the Cannula Position Line 1007, andpositioned directly over and in contact with the dorsal surface of thewicking member 15, and overlaps it by at least 5 mm. (If the trailingportion 15 b of wicking member 15 of the particular tampon sample isshorter than 15 mm when in a straightened but substantially relaxedcondition so as to provide ≥5 mm overlap, position the cannula tip overthe wicking member so that it overlaps the trailing end of the wickingmember by ⅓ of the length of the trailing portion 15 b. If the trailingportion 15 b of wicking member 15 of the particular tampon sample isshorter than 6 mm when in a straightened but substantially relaxedcondition, then the sample cannot be tested according to this method,and does not fall within the contemplation of claims herein that recitea value for Wicking.)

Now, pressurize the wicking chamber 1001 to 0.5+0.02 psi (over ambientair pressure) such that the condom 1011 inflates within the wickingchamber around the measurement sample and cannula 1012 to hold them inplace inside the chamber 1001. Ensure that there is still a distance of6 mm between the tip of the cannula 1012 and the edge of the cannulasleeve 1013. Adjust the position of the cannula stabilizing bar 1016 sothat it supports the peristaltic pump tubing 1014 to allow thelongitudinal axis of the cannula 1012 to be maintained in a positionthat is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 1003 of thewicking chamber 1001. Adjust as needed to maintain this positionthroughout the measurement.

Prior to starting of the peristaltic pump, a tray 1017 or other suitablecollection means may be placed on the benchtop below the bottom of thecannula sleeve 1013 and wicking chamber 1001 to collect any test fluidthat is not wicked/absorbed by the measurement sample and exits thebottom of the test chamber.

Start the peristaltic pump 1015 to deliver 5.0 g+0.25 g of test fluid at1.0 g/min±0.02 g/min through the cannula 1012. While the test fluid isbeing delivered, ensure that the tip of the cannula 1012 remains incontact with the trailing portion 15 b of the wicking member 15 and thatthere is no pooling of fluid in a crease in the condom 1011 proximatethe cannula tip. If pooling of test fluid is observed, move the cannula1012 slightly further down the trailing portion 15 b of the wickingmember 15. If pooling of test fluid continues, discard the tampon andrepeat using a new measurement sample.

After the pump stops, depressurize the wicking chamber 1001 and removethe test sample. Record the Wet Mass of the test sample to the nearest0.01 g. Calculate the mass of fluid absorbed by the test sample as WetMass-Dry Mass and record as Total Uptake to the nearest 0.01 g. Thecondom 1011 is wiped clean in between test samples and replaced afterevery 10 samples are tested.

In like fashion, repeat for a total of ten replicate test samples.Calculate the arithmetic mean for Total Uptake measured across all tenreplicate test samples and report to the nearest 0.01 g.

In view of the description above, the following non-limiting examples oftampons are contemplated:

1. A tampon, comprising:a pledget, having a forward end and a rearward end, the pledgetcomprising a discrete first assembly comprising a first fibrous materialcomposition;a withdrawal cord joined to the pledget, anda wicking member disposed in direct contact with the pledget, comprisinga discrete second assembly separate and distinct from the first assemblyand from the withdrawal cord, the wicking member having a length andbeing non-coaxially-arranged with respect to the withdrawal cord.2. The tampon of example 1 wherein the wicking member comprises a secondfibrous material composition differing from the first fibrous materialcomposition.3. The tampon of example 2, wherein the second fibrous materialcomposition differs from the first fibrous material composition in oneor more of fiber component composition, density of fiber consolidation,fiber hydrophilicity, or a combination thereof.4. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein the wickingmember length includes a trailing portion extending from the rearwardend of the pledget, the trailing portion being at least 6 mm long, andthe tampon exhibits Wicking of at least 1.2 grams, more preferably atleast 1.5 grams, and even more preferably at least 1.8 grams.5. The tampon of example 4, exhibiting Wicking of no more than 4 grams.6. A tampon, comprising:a pledget, having a forward end and a rearward end, the pledgetcomprising a discrete first assembly comprising a first fibrous materialcomposition;a withdrawal cord joined to the pledget, anda wicking member disposed in direct contact with the pledget, comprisinga discrete second assembly separate and distinct from the first assemblyand from the withdrawal cord, the wicking member having a lengthincluding a trailing portion extending from the rearward end of thepledget, and being non-coaxially-arranged with respect to the withdrawalcord;wherein the trailing portion is at least 6 mm long, and the tamponexhibits Wicking of at least 1.2 grams, more preferably at least 1.5grams, and even more preferably at least 1.8 grams.7. The tampon of example 6, exhibiting Wicking of no more than 4 grams.8. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein the wickingmember and withdrawal cord are joined to each other along at least aportion of the length of the wicking member.9. The tampon of example 8 wherein a trailing length and trailing end ofthe wicking member are not joined to the withdrawal cord.10. The tampon of example 8 wherein a leading length and leading end ofthe wicking member are not joined to the withdrawal cord.11. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein the withdrawalcord and the wicking member are stitched to each other and stitched tothe pledget by a single line of lockstitching.12. The tampon of example 11 wherein the withdrawal cord and the wickingmember are stitched to each other and stitched to the pledget by asingle line of lockstitching penetrating the withdrawal cord, wickingmember and pledget, the line of lockstitching extending along amajority, preferably substantially the entirety, of a length of thewithdrawal cord.13. The tampon of either of examples 11 or 12 wherein the lockstitchingcomprises thread material that is inherently hydrophobic, or is treatedto be hydrophobic.14. The tampon of example 13 wherein the thread material comprisespolyester.15. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein the withdrawalcord comprises fibrous material that is inherently hydrophobic, or istreated to be hydrophobic.16. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein the wickingmember comprises fibrous material that is inherently hydrophilic, or istreated to be hydrophilic.17. The tampon of any the preceding examples wherein a majority offibers comprised by the wicking member are predominately oriented in alongitudinal direction.18. The tampon of any the preceding examples wherein a majority offibers comprised by the wicking member are predominately oriented in alateral direction.19. The tampon of example 16 or 17 wherein the wicking member comprisesfibers that are braided or twisted.20. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein fibers comprisedby the wicking member are carded.21. The tampon of example 19 wherein the braided or twisted fibers arecontinuous fibers.22. The tampon of example 21 wherein the continuous fibers are towfibers.

23. The tampon of any of examples 14-22 wherein a majority, andpreferably substantially all, of the fibers comprised by the wickingmember are not knitted or woven.

24. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein a majority ofthe fibrous material comprised by the wicking member is not cottonfiber, rayon fiber, or a combination thereof.25. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein the pledgetcomprises material selected from cotton fiber and rayon fiber, andcombinations thereof.26. The tampon of example 25 wherein cotton fiber constitutes a majorityof the weight of the pledget.27. The tampon of example 25 wherein rayon fiber constitutes a majorityof the weight of the pledget.28. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein the withdrawalcord comprises cotton.29. The tampon of example 28 wherein the cotton comprised by thewithdrawal cord is hydrophobic.30. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein the withdrawalcord comprises polyester.31. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein the wickingmember comprises spun synthetic fibers, preferably fibers spun frompolymeric resin, the resin preferably comprising polypropylene.32. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein materialcomprised by the wicking member is imparted with a second color thatvisibly contrasts with a first color of the pledget.33. The tampon of any of the preceding examples wherein the firstassembly of absorbent material comprises cotton and/or rayon fiberdisposed within a wrapper, or disposed between sections of fabric.34. The tampon of example 33 wherein the wrapper or sections of fabriccomprise polypropylene and/or polyethylene.35. An array of respective packaged tampon products, comprising a firstpackage and a second package, the first package comprising first tamponsaccording to any of the preceding examples and the second packagecomprising second tampons according to any of the preceding examples,wherein wicking members of the first tampons differ from wicking membersof the second tampons in one or more of physical structure, material(s)composition(s), size, wicking performance and imparted color.36. The array of example 35 wherein pledgets of the first tampons differfrom pledgets the second tampons in one or more of physical structure,material(s) composition(s), size and absorption capacity.37. The array of either of examples 35 or 36 wherein the first packageand the second package each includes associated material comprisingimprinted information in one or more of graphic, pictorial and verbalform, signaling the differences in the respective pledgets and/or therespective wicking members.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tampon, comprising: a pledget, having a forwardend and a rearward end, the pledget comprising a discrete first assemblycomprising a first fibrous material composition; a withdrawal cordjoined to the pledget, and a wicking member disposed in direct contactwith the pledget, comprising a discrete second assembly separate anddistinct from the first assembly and from the withdrawal cord, thewicking member having a length and being non-coaxially-arranged withrespect to the withdrawal cord.
 2. The tampon of claim 1 wherein thewicking member comprises a second fibrous material composition differingfrom the first fibrous material composition.
 3. The tampon of claim 2,wherein the second fibrous material composition differs from the firstfibrous material composition in one or more of fiber componentcomposition, density of fiber consolidation, fiber hydrophilicity, or acombination thereof.
 4. The tampon of claim 1 wherein the wicking memberlength includes a trailing portion extending from the rearward end ofthe pledget, the trailing portion being at least 6 mm long, and thetampon exhibits Wicking of at least 1.5 grams.
 5. The tampon of claim 4,exhibiting Wicking of no more than 4 grams.
 6. The tampon of any ofclaim 1 wherein the wicking member and withdrawal cord are joined toeach other along at least a portion of the length of the wicking member.7. The tampon of claim 6 wherein a trailing length and trailing end ofthe wicking member are not joined to the withdrawal cord.
 8. The tamponof any of the preceding claims wherein the withdrawal cord and thewicking member are stitched to each other and stitched to the pledget bya single line of lockstitching.
 9. The tampon of claim 8 wherein thelockstitching comprises thread material that is inherently hydrophobic,or is treated to be hydrophobic.
 10. The tampon of claim 1 wherein amajority of the fibrous material comprised by the wicking member is notcotton fiber, rayon fiber, or a combination thereof.
 11. The tampon ofclaim 10 wherein the wicking member comprises spun synthetic fibers. 12.The tampon of claim 1 wherein material comprised by the wicking memberis imparted with a second color that visibly contrasts with a firstcolor of the pledget.
 13. A tampon, comprising: a pledget, having aforward end and a rearward end, the pledget comprising a discrete firstassembly comprising a first fibrous material composition; a withdrawalcord joined to the pledget, and a wicking member disposed in directcontact with the pledget, comprising a discrete second assembly separateand distinct from the first assembly and from the withdrawal cord, thewicking member having a length including a trailing portion extendingfrom the rearward end of the pledget, and being non-coaxially-arrangedwith respect to the withdrawal cord; wherein the trailing portion is atleast 6 mm long, and the tampon exhibits Wicking of at least 1.5 grams.14. The tampon of claim 13, exhibiting Wicking of no more than 4 grams.15. The tampon of claim 13 wherein the wicking member comprises a secondfibrous material composition differing from the first fibrous materialcomposition.
 16. The tampon of claim 15, wherein the second fibrousmaterial composition differs from the first fibrous material compositionin one or more of fiber component composition, density of fiberconsolidation, fiber hydrophilicity, or a combination thereof.
 17. Thetampon of claim 13 wherein a majority of the fibrous material comprisedby the wicking member is not cotton fiber, rayon fiber, or a combinationthereof.
 18. The tampon of claim 17 wherein the wicking member comprisesspun synthetic fibers.
 19. An array of respective packaged tamponproducts, comprising a first package and a second package, the firstpackage comprising first tampons according to claim 1 and the secondpackage comprising second tampons according to claim 1, wherein wickingmembers of the first tampons differ from wicking members of the secondtampons in one or more of physical structure, material(s)composition(s), size, wicking performance and imparted color.
 20. Thearray of claim 19 wherein pledgets of the first tampons differ frompledgets the second tampons in one or more of physical structure,material(s) composition(s), size and absorption capacity.